Crossing Nebraska

  Our recent U.S. election has some questioning whether, when, and how to use their voice. Being vocal and standing up for what’s right and just can be dangerous when those who hold the reins of power call for retribution against rivals alleged to have illegally wronged them. During times such as these, remaining silent may seem the safest option.   Putting our own hands over our mouth But it’s not merely a question of whether to speak or not speak, the election results also have some questioning the efficacy of their speech, its timeliness, and its audience. Clearly something is going wrong between the speaker and listener these days. If, in fact, there is a listener. Perhaps silence is good for a time—to listen, learn, reflect, and consider how to speak from a place of deeper wisdom. We all know we have a right to remain silent—under certain circumstances at least. In many cases, though, it’s not so much a right as a privilege. Those of us who can blend into the domina...

  Can we find lasting peace all by ourselves? Can we be like the earliest Buddhist disciples and retreat into the forest or into our own carefully constructed corners of the world and find the unconditioned peace that we crave? My response to that question is a provisional one: “yes, and…” Yes, and the world has a way of finding us. We arise from it, so this should really come as no surprise. Whatever is happening “out there” will have an impact on our ability to find peace “in here.” Thus, we must cultivate a healthy relationship with the so-called outside world. Power, Practice, and Peace logo background On December 4, 2024, United Healthcare’s CEO was walking from his Manhattan hotel to a shareholder meeting just down the street when he was shot dead by a gunman lying in wait. It appears the killer was motivated by a hatred of corporate greed, and the fact that UnitedHealthcare “dismissed about one in every three claims in 2023…. twice the industry average of 16% ” may have fo...

  This blog within a blog focuses on power; and how can we talk about power without considering the most awesome power of all—that which Nature unleashes. Even the strongest are rendered impotent in the face of its fury. Even the most arrogant are humbled by its power. So, when Taoists speak reverently of the Way—the natural order of things—and strive to live in accord with its workings, they must have something more subtle and nurturing in mind. Certainly, we don’t want to emulate Nature’s violence and indifference to its victims. But what lessons are we to uncover from our observance of its way? Orange lichens growing on felled tree Some years ago, one of my Zen practitioner friends was troubled by a situation in her life. She visited with her teacher, hoping that he might impart some wisdom that would guide her. Unfortunately, she left feeling dejected. “He told me to go outside and look at the morning glories,” she said. Indeed, Nature is a wonderful teacher, but sometimes we...

In a previous post, The Fundamental Nature of Power , I used our leaf blower as a simple example of the inherently dangerous and potentially violent nature of power . But those are not its only negative aspects. Power has a seductive and addictive nature as well. It lures us into wielding it with the promise that we can be more and more and have more and more. Then, after getting used to our new way of being, we’re loathe to give up the power that allows us to be that way. For instance, once I learned how to start the big leaf blower and keep it from doing most of the damage it’s capable of, I began to rely on it. Back when I only had a rake for getting the job done, I’d stay on top of the task as the leaves fell. With the big machine on hand, though, I can let the leaves pile up for weeks knowing that I have the power at hand to complete the task in short order. No, it’s not a quiet and meditative communion with nature, in tune with the natural order of things. It’s loud and annoying,...